FEATURE
The future – PD Ports apprentices( from left) Will Hudson, Alfie Bambrough, Charlie Syson and Drew Harrower.
Zack Mark – growing through hands-on experience Zack joined PD Ports 15 years ago as a mechanical apprentice from Billingham. Today he is a mechanical technician in the Mobile Plant Department.
“ It was eye-opening at first – going from a small training centre to this huge site with massive cranes,” he recalled.“ I’ ve stayed because the work is so varied and you’ re trusted to get on with it. As long as the job’ s done safely and to standard, you’ re given real ownership.”
Zack has worked across departments, gaining skills in fault-finding, hydraulics and diagnostics.
“ PD Ports invests heavily in training. You never stop building your skills, and that keeps the job fresh.”
Expanding opportunity beyond engineering PD Ports’ focus on developing people reaches every function. The latest intake also includes Alex Carey, joining as an operational excellence apprentice, and Jack Bage, the company’ s new procurement apprentice. Alex supports projects that use data and collaboration to improve performance across departments. Jack has joined the procurement team alongside Milly Reed, who recently completed her apprenticeship and is now an assistant procurement specialist.
Milly said:“ Completing my apprenticeship gave me a solid grounding in commercial awareness. Procurement touches everything, from sourcing parts for engineering to ensuring sustainability in our supply chain. The support here is brilliant, and now I get to mentor Jack as he starts out.”
Jack added:“ It’ s motivating to know the work we do affects the whole business. Every order and contract helps keep the port running efficiently.”
Developing people, driving performance PD Ports’ investment in skills is woven into its business strategy. Apprenticeships, coaching and professional development all build longterm capability, ensuring the company can meet customer needs and adapt to new technologies.
Leigh said:“ Our success depends on our people. By developing talent locally, we build loyalty, resilience and pride – qualities that can’ t be bought or outsourced.”
Engineering and marine teams are also embedding sustainability within training. Apprentices learn about condition monitoring, energy efficiency and the shift to electric and hybrid equipment – practical steps towards the company’ s long-term environmental goals.
Connecting engineering and marine A distinctive feature of the new scheme is its exposure to the Marine Business Unit, giving engineers insight into pilot launches, dredging operations and navigational safety.
Engineering director Andy Eaton added:“ We believe in engineers who learn by doing. Hands-on experience gives them the insight to apply engineering principles effectively and make sound judgments. They understand the importance of keeping cranes, vessels and plant safe, well-maintained and reliable, ensuring our ports operate with maximum uptime and efficiency.”
Proudly building Teesside’ s tomorrow For PD Ports, nurturing talent is more than a responsibility; it is the foundation of future growth and a lasting legacy for Teesside.
Frans Caljé, CEO, said:“ We’ re proud to call Teesside home. By creating structured routes into engineering, marine and business roles, we’ re helping local people build fulfilling careers and ensuring this region remains a powerhouse for UK trade.”
From cranes and control rooms to procurement and planning, every colleague plays a part in keeping trade moving – proof that in an industry built on infrastructure, it’ s people who provide the real strength.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 31